A Practical Guide for Embracing the Growing Religious Pluralism in America

"In the process of [interfaith] engagement, we discover … a world in which our faith is richer, deeper, and more contextualized, and God's very Self is seen in more of its fullness."
—from the Introduction

This practical guide to the key methods and resources of the interfaith movement will help you effectively engage people of other faith traditions in order to increase understanding and acceptance in your community and beyond.

Drawing on the knowledge and experience of interfaith leaders from the world’s many faith traditions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Bahá’í Faith, Jainism, Shinto, Sikh Faith, Taoism, Zoroastrianism—this comprehensive resource provides practical ideas for connecting with people of all faiths and backgrounds through common concerns and activities that promote respect and support. It enables communities rich with diversity to work together to create paths toward peace and justice.

Foreword by Rev. Dirk Ficca xi
Acknowledgments xv

INTRODUCTION
Interfaith Dialogue: What Is It and Why Is It Important? 1

PART I
Creating Interreligious Community through Dialogue
1. Dialogue through Conversation—Spoken Dialogue 23
by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso
2. Dialogue through Arts—"Opening the World's Door" 43
by Abby Stamelman Hocky, MSW, Rev. Susan Teegen-Case, and Rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro
3. Dialogue through Observation and Participation— Interfaith Prayer Services 77
by Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine

PART II
Living Interreligious Dialogue through Service and Advocacy
4. Action through Service—From Shared Values to Common Action 111
by Dr. Eboo Patel, April Kunze, and Noah Silverman
5. Action through Advocacy: Many Faiths, Common Purpose 139
by Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy

PART III
Interfaith Resources
6. Brief Overview of Faith Traditions 157
7. Interfaith Organizations and the Web 191
8. Suggestions for Other Resources 215

Appendix A
A Taxonomy of Interfaith
by Bud Heckman 223
Appendix B
A Closer Look at Swidler’s “Dialogue Decalogue”
by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso 231
Appendix C
A Formal Model: The West Coast Dialogue of Catholics and Muslims
by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso 241

Notes 253
About the Contributors 257
About Religions for Peace 261
Index 263

A Practical Guide for Embracing the Growing Religious Pluralism in America

"In the process of [interfaith] engagement, we discover … a world in which our faith is richer, deeper, and more contextualized, and God's very Self is seen in more of its fullness."
—from the Introduction

This practical guide to the key methods and resources of the interfaith movement will help you effectively engage people of other faith traditions in order to increase understanding and acceptance in your community and beyond.

Drawing on the knowledge and experience of interfaith leaders from the world’s many faith traditions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Bahá’í Faith, Jainism, Shinto, Sikh Faith, Taoism, Zoroastrianism—this comprehensive resource provides practical ideas for connecting with people of all faiths and backgrounds through common concerns and activities that promote respect and support. It enables communities rich with diversity to work together to create paths toward peace and justice.